we're all professionals … I'm not

There's often a direct correlation between classification and prejudice.

… I recently dropped in on a going away party for a friend/colleague of mine so naturally most people who were there work in libraries … or at least were married to such creatures.

One person asked me about my background, etc. and asked if my current job was my first "professional position". I responded along the lines of "I guess this would be considered so …" because in reality I don't like this pseudo-distinction that people in libraries try to perpetuate.

A few weeks ago, a "para-professional" asked me if I was a "librarian" and I said something like "in as much as I work in libraries … like you."

Isn't the real question here: "Do you have a Master's degree in library stuff?". If so, ask it. If not, please stop perpetuating a falseness based on the abundance of insecurity and arrogance of many of your peers.

I'm not asked to work harder than previous jobs. I wasn't allowed to screw up less in past jobs.